Fans watching the match on a big screen on Brighton beach cheer as Dele Alli scores England’s second goalSIMON DACK/ALAMY

It was moments before 3.30pm when Harry Maguire sent the nation wild. The defender rose to power a thundering header past the Sweden goalkeeper and set off scenes of joyous celebration across England.

In bars and houses and outdoors in front of big screens — and even on beaches — millions rose as one to celebrate as England took a 1-0 lead in a World Cup quarter-final. At the 59th minute the fans were on their feet and roaring again — this time as Dele Alli headed a rare goal from open play.

When the final whistle blew, spontaneous street parties broke out, some of them blocking main roads, as fans celebrated England getting one step away from only its second World Cup final.

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